I really hate this pick to win the division, because I really don't believe they're nearly as good as others think they are. They gave up an awful lot to get Mat Latos, which should make the rotation better, but I would hardly qualify it as an "all in" move. They have some great pieces obviously in Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, but their pitching still isn't championship caliber.
WINS 94 MVP Joey Votto CY Mat Latos
The loss of their 268lb first baseman is going to have a gigantic impact on this team. Cryan Eva Braun will still put up MVP* numbers, but will not be able to carry the team with Aramis Ramirez as his protection. The pitching staff is good enough to keep them in the wild card hunt. But if Zack Greinke's inning totals continue to tumble as they have the last three years, they could fall even further.
WINS 88 MVP Cryan Eva Braun CY Zack Greinke
Yes, this is the year the Pirates reach 82. Actually 83-79. They'll struggle a bit in April, then turn the jets on in May, June and July. August will again be a struggle, but then it will come down to the last week of the season. #81 comes at the Mets on September 27, then we'll all freak out as the Reds come into Pittsburgh, sweep the Bucs, and clinch the NL Central crown. Just as we're all ready to jump off the Clemente Bridge, wins #82 and #83 come on October 1 and October 3 against the Braves. Full preview on Opening Day.
WINS 83 MVP Andrew McCutchen CY James McDonald
This is my gamble pick. On paper, they should be able to withstand the loss of the greatest right-handed hitter since Hammerin' Hank. Their pitching staff is still the best in the division, and Carlos Beltran should help ease the pain for the defending World Champions. But I don't know, maybe it's the fact that unproven Mike Matheny is trying to replace future hall of famer Tony LaRussa. That might be the Cards' biggest loss.
WINS 79 MVP Yadier Molina CY Chris Carpenter
Even the legend that is Paul Maholm isn't going to be enough to get the Cubs out of next to last place in 2012. But I fear that the new regime of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are going to make this team into a juggernaut someday. Heck, if they can actually trade Carlos Zambrano and get a decent return, imagine what they'll be able to do with a revamped farm system and Alfonso Soriano off the books ... in 2015.
WINS 71 MVP Starlin Castro CY Matt Garza
At least we have one more year of beating up on the Astros before they move to the AL West in 2013. This franchise is a mess right now, with little major or minor league talent to draw on. Look for them to try and dump their last useful trading chip in Wandy Rodriguez in July. The only other positive thing I have to add is that they have the young SS I wish the Pirates picked up in Jed Lowrie. We'll miss you Houston ...
WINS 52 MVP Uh, Jordan Schafer? CY Wandy Rodriguez
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